BUILDING BLOCK NO. 4: SECURITY WITH BASIC ACCOMPANIMENT PATTERNS
Once students have learned the basic primary chord progression (I-IV-V) folk songs can be very useful for presenting basic left hand accompaniment patterns - blocked chords, broken chords, waltz style, alberti bass, and split bass. To develop their left hand technique and improve hands together coordination, I have students harmonize, transpose and improvise with numerous folk melodies, most of which are in five-finger positions. When a song is familiar to the class I usually assign it by ear; if the students don't know it well enough I provide a notated version.
Folk songs are also a great way to develop sight reading and transposition skills. Over time I have compiled a series of examples that I keep handy to reinforce and supplement what is being presented in the textbook. For example, when waltz style accompaniment patterns appear for the first time I will pull out my file of waltz style reading excerpts to use in class or assign for extra practice.
I like to have many versions of a single folk song, in different keys. I notate the melody as a lead sheet with Roman numerals and as a lead sheet with letter symbols, and I'll also notate several versions of it on the grand staff, each with a different accompaniment style in the left hand.
With many notation software packages available now, teachers can easily compile a series of professional-looking examples that will suit their needs.
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